The Conspiracy Tapes - podcast cover

The Conspiracy Tapes

Sony Music Entertainment
In the mid-1970s, a man burst onto the evangelical scene with a shocking tale: claiming to be a former witch involved in human sacrifices among elite circles. After converting to Christianity, he toured the nation warning of hidden Satanists and spoke about a secret organization known as the Illuminati. John Todd preached salvation to frightened congregations, urging them to prepare for a world takeover by stockpiling weapons and retreating to remote areas. But John Todd was no saint; he was not the good, honest Christian he claimed to be. He was running from his past. As his influence peaked and his teachings spread through countless tapes, his facade crumbled, and he vanished. Yet, his legacy endured, inspiring acts of extreme violence from Ruby Ridge, Waco, PizzaGate, QAnon right through to the steps of the Capitol on January 6th. The Conspiracy Tapes is part of The Binge - subscribe to listen to all episodes, all at once, ad-free right now. From serial killer nurses to psychic scammers – The Binge is your home for true crime stories that pull you in and never let go. Follow The Binge Crimes and The Binge Cases to get new stories on the first of the month, every month. Hit ‘Subscribe’ at the top of the The Conspiracy Tapes show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com. The Binge – feed your true crime obsession. A Sony Music Entertainment production. Find out more about The Binge and other podcasts from Sony Music Entertainment at sonymusic.com/podcasts and follow us @sonypodcasts.

Episodes

Baby Broker - A Cold Hearted Criminal Running a Shocking Scheme

Tara Lee ran an adoption company called Always Hope, that promised to make families dreams come true - but behind the scenes, Tara was orchestrating a nightmare. Baby Broker is the shocking true story of a cold-hearted criminal who pulled off an unimaginable scheme—and the parents who fought back to take her down. Search for Baby Broker wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes right now, completely ad-free. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcas...

Feb 19, 20258 min

Who Was Terri Hoffman? Unravel the Deadly Secrets of the Twisted Guru

Between 1977 and 1989, a dozen people died under mysterious circumstances, with one thing in common: a spiritual leader named Terri Hoffman. Join investigative reporter Jonathan Hirsch as he unravels the web of lies, manipulation, and dubious deeds that surround Hoffman on Scary Terri - A dark Texas Gothic about the Charlie Manson you’ve never heard of. Search for Scary Terri wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribers to The Binge can listen to all episodes right now, completely ad-free. Learn ...

Dec 09, 20245 min

The Tapes, from Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery

Sharing an episode of the new podcast Radioactive: The Karen Silkwood Mystery. It details the death of a 28-year-old whistleblower which, 50 years later, continues to haunt Oklahoma and the nation. The young plutonium plant worker died in a fatal crash while driving to meet a reporter with The New York Times. She’d agreed to deliver sensitive documents that were never found. Two reporters who covered the story in 1974 have spent years trying to piece together what many in Oklahoma speculate: Kar...

Nov 12, 202440 min

Introducing Cover Up: The Conspiracy Tapes

In the mid-1970s, a man burst onto the evangelical scene with a shocking tale: claiming to be a former witch involved in human sacrifices among elite circles. After converting to Christianity, he toured the nation warning of hidden Satanists and spoke about a secret organization known as the Illuminati. John Todd preached salvation to frightened congregations, urging them to prepare for a world takeover by stockpiling weapons and retreating to remote areas. But John Todd was no saint; he was not...

Jun 06, 20243 min

The Conspiracy Tapes | 6. Unmasked

Becoming something of a conspiracy theory himself, no one is fully sure what ever happened to John Todd after his fall from grace. There are many theories, but little proof. Until now. Find out what really happened to John Todd, as well as some shocking details about his life. Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Ju...

Jun 05, 202451 minSeason 5Ep. 6

The Conspiracy Tapes | 5. Resurrection

Discredited, John Todd vanishes and is largely forgotten until his speeches resurface online, sparking a new wave of interest and influence. Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your po...

May 29, 202437 minSeason 5Ep. 5

The Conspiracy Tapes | 4. Contagion

A pastor receives troubling information about Todd's past. His credibility is shattered, but the tapes of his talks take on a life of their own. Todd's ideas move from fringe Christian congregations to the mainstream, igniting fears of Satanic cults, government conspiracies, and violence. Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all...

May 22, 202446 minSeason 5Ep. 4

White Devil: An Aristocracy Scandal in Belize

From the creators of Cover Up: Body Brokers and The Anthrax Threat: Shootings are not unusual in Belize. Shootings of cops are. When a wealthy woman – married into one of the most powerful families in Belize – is found on a pier late at night, next to a body, it becomes the country’s biggest news story in a generation. Episode are released on a weekly schedule starting today! Find out more about Campside Media at campsidemedia.com and follow us @campside_media. Learn more about your ad choices. ...

May 21, 20245 min

The Conspiracy Tapes | 3. Phenomenon

In 1977, Todd seeks to re-establish himself on the Christian speaker circuit. However, this time he sensationalizes his past even further, claiming to be a former member of the Illuminati, suggesting an impending societal collapse and advocating for extreme preparation measures among his followers. Recordings of his talks spread across America, spurring a phenomenon marked by fear and influencing thousands. Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Bin...

May 15, 202444 minSeason 5Ep. 3

The Conspiracy Tapes | 2. Backslide

John Todd’s life takes a bizarre turn in Dayton, Ohio, where after a phase of promoting Christianity and condemning witchcraft, he reverts to his occult practices, running an occult bookstore called the Witch's Cauldron. John claims to be harassed by local police for his religion, but are his practices just a cover for even darker activity? Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the firs...

May 08, 202432 minSeason 5Ep. 2

The Conspiracy Tapes | 1. The Witch

We meet John Todd, a man with a fantastical story, claiming to be a former witch, now converted to Christianity. He wants to warn fellow Christians about the witches and Satanists in their midst. Unlock all episodes of The Conspiracy Tapes, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month thats all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click Subscribe on the top of the Cover Up show page on Apple Podcasts or visit...

May 01, 202442 minSeason 5Ep. 1

The Anthrax Threat I 8. Reasonable Doubt

The FBI squad deals with a devastating loss. Those impacted by the attacks try to move on despite knowing that questions surrounding the case will linger on. From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ...

Apr 19, 202437 minSeason 4Ep. 8

The Anthrax Threat I 7. The Unraveling

Reeling from stress, an FBI suspect begins acting erratically. But the agents in charge of the investigation refuse to let up. From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the C...

Apr 12, 202431 minSeason 4Ep. 7

The Anthrax Threat I 6. The Closers

New agents take over the anthrax investigation and zero in on a prime suspect: a bacteriologist struggling with mental health issues. From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top o...

Apr 05, 202432 minSeason 4Ep. 6

The Anthrax Threat I 5. Mr. Anthrax

The FBI turns to a renowned biodefense lab in Fort Detrick, Maryland, to aid their investigation. But what if the killer is one of their team members? From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscr...

Mar 29, 202445 minSeason 4Ep. 5

The Anthrax Threat I 4. The Scapegoat

Acting as an amateur sleuth, one scientist claims that she has identified the anthrax killer. Does her guess hold water, or is it just another miscalculation? From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click...

Mar 22, 202443 minSeason 4Ep. 4

The Anthrax Threat I 3. Collateral Damage

Congress scrambles to draw a connection between the anthrax attacks and enemies overseas. Americans start pointing fingers, and the FBI chases false leads. From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘S...

Mar 15, 202434 minSeason 4Ep. 3

The Anthrax Threat I 2. A Tale of Two DCs

As Senate staffers brace for a possible bioterrorism attack, D.C. postal workers fight to receive the bare minimum of protection. From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of th...

Mar 08, 202433 minSeason 4Ep. 2

The Anthrax Threat I 1. Scramble the Jets

In the wake of 9/11, a handful of media and government workers started experiencing a troubling confluence of symptoms. Doctors couldn’t explain it, until they pinpointed the unlikely cause: exposure to anthrax. From Campside Media and Sony Music Entertainment, this is Season 4 of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: The Anthrax Threat, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that...

Mar 01, 202434 minSeason 4Ep. 1

Introducing Cover Up Season 4: The Anthrax Threat

In the wake of 9/11, a series of letters laced with a deadly powder called anthrax appeared on the desks of prominent journalists and politicians in New York City and Washington D.C. Five people were killed, and seventeen more were infected. It was the worst case of bioterrorism in American history, setting off a surge of finger pointing, xenophobia, and fear. But what started as an unprecedented case soon turned into an unsettling mystery. Who had sent these letters? And why? On season 4 of Cov...

Feb 23, 20242 min

Body Brokers I 8. Ashes to Ashes, Dust to Dust

A judge makes a decision in the case against Megan and Shirley. The people they deceived try to figure out a way to honor the ashes of unknown people. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get ...

Feb 20, 202442 minSeason 3Ep. 8

Body Brokers I 7. Montrose versus Megan

The community of Montrose reels after learning what was going on inside Megan’s funeral home. But Megan is out and about, acting as if everything is normal. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com t...

Feb 13, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 7

Body Brokers I 6. The Results

Families discover the truth about the ashes Megan returned to them. A person close to Megan wrestles with an unfathomable betrayal. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you...

Feb 06, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 6

Body Brokers I 5. The Donor Surgeon Speaks

The FBI comes to Sunset Mesa, and Shirley does something no one sees coming. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherever you get your podcasts. A Campside Media and Sony Music Ent...

Jan 30, 202435 minSeason 3Ep. 5

Body Brokers I 4. Body Snatchers

Real life former body broker Philip Guyett takes us inside the murky world where people buy and sell body parts for money. A reporter’s questions spark an investigation into Sunset Mesa. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podca...

Jan 23, 202438 minSeason 3Ep. 4

Body Brokers | 3. Mother and Daughter

A look into Megan’s first funeral home job and her early years. Who is Shirley Koch, Megan’s mother and second-in-command at Sunset Mesa? Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access wherev...

Jan 16, 202433 minSeason 3Ep. 3

Body Brokers | 2. "Cactus, Is It You?"

A widow whose husband is cremated at Megan Hess’ Sunset Mesa Funeral Home gets an odd feeling. The widow’s daughter calls Megan to confront her. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on Apple Podcasts or visit GetTheBinge.com to get access...

Jan 09, 202433 minSeason 3Ep. 2

Body Brokers | 1. The Funeral Director

Small town funeral director Megan Hess is so involved in her community, so generous and compassionate to grieving families. But one of her employees starts to suspect things are not as Megan claims. Unlock all episodes of Cover Up: Body Brokers, ad-free, right now by subscribing to The Binge. Plus, get binge access to brand new stories dropping on the first of every month — that’s all episodes, all at once, all ad-free. Just click ‘Subscribe’ on the top of the Cover Up: Body Brokers show page on...

Jan 02, 202436 minSeason 3Ep. 1

Introducing Cover Up Season 3: Body Brokers

For eight years, Megan Hess ran Sunset Mesa Funeral Home in the small town of Montrose, Colorado. She promised clients discounts on normally expensive cremations, a seeming kindness in a town where many are poor. But in the back of the funeral home, Megan’s elderly mother Shirley was actually dismembering the dead. And then Megan was selling the body parts – heads, torsos, legs – to companies that claim to do medical research. The families who trusted Megan –- they had no idea what she was reall...

Dec 18, 20233 min

"I Don't Want You Telling Anybody" - The Secret Life of My Fugitive Dad

Meet Ashley Randele. Ashley’s Dad, Thomas Randele, was her favorite person in the world. A great dad, a great golfer, and the love of her Mum’s life. Ashley thought she knew him better than anyone. But at 38 years old, that notion would be shattered. Ashley’s dad wasn’t Thomas Randele, he was Ted Conrad - a wanted fugitive who had evaded authorities for over half a century. The mystery of Ted Conrad haunted law enforcement for decades, and now, for the first time, the secrets of his story are fi...

Dec 04, 20232 min